Team Ireland Mourns the Loss of Antello Z

Team Ireland Mourns the Loss of Antello Z

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Cameron Hanley and Antello Z pictured at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France

Show jumper Cameron Hanley has this evening (Friday) issued a statement, following the sad news that his horse, Antello Z, with which he represented Ireland at several Nations Cup shows, had to be put down following a competition at Liverpool International Horse Show in Britain.

“It is with unbelievable sadness I let you know that my partner Antello, had to be put down today due to an injury sustained in the ring. He was such a fighter and he never quit. I had some of my best days in the ring with him. He brought me and those of us who were lucky enough to work with him, so much happiness. He will always be in my heart, I loved him so much. R.I.P my friend," commented the 42-year-old rider.

Antello Z, a 13-year-old gelding, was a recent winner at a five-star show in Stuttgart and was a key member of the Irish Nations Cup team for a number of years. Together with Cameron Hanley, he was part of the Irish team at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in France and played a major role in helping Ireland win the bronze medal in the Nations Cup World final at Barcelona in 2013.

Irish team manager Robert Splaine said: “I am very saddened to hear of the loss of Antello Z. With Cameron, this combination formed a formidable partnership and contributed greatly to Ireland's success at the very highest level. Thankfully Cameron was uninjured in the fall."

Horse Sport Ireland CEO Damian McDonald said: "Antello Z was a great horse and he and Cameron made a massive contribution to the Irish team in recent years. “In our sport there is a very strong bond between horse and rider, as the rider is generally the trainer of the horse as well as the jockey. It is very sad for Cameron and his team who would have worked so closely with the horse" he said.